Labor Relations Program Manager Or Specialist

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
The Metropolitan Council is seeking to fill a position for a Program Manager, Labor Relations OR a Labor Relations Specialist, depending on qualifications.
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us is on our website.
Human Resources works with all divisions of the Metropolitan Council to provide proactive solutions for the Council’s workforce needs in the areas of recruitment, labor relations, benefits, training, organizational development, occupational health, and wellness.
Click here to read more information about us on our website.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
This posting is open until June 4, 2023. The first review of applications will begin on May 22, 2023.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Council's Labor Relations team provides services as part of the Human Resources Department, which is part of the Regional Administration central services support group. The position will be assigned to provide consultation, guidance and support to Metro Transit, with a significant focus on our growing Light Rail Division. The primary work location for the position will be in Minneapolis. The incumbent will also be expected to attend meetings at other Met Council facilities in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

• Conduct research, prepare briefs, graphs, charts, tables, and other summary documents in support of labor contract negotiations, arbitration or other administrative proceedings, human resources policy development, and other projects as assigned.
• Advise managers on strategies for grievance evaluation and response, including the development of strategies for grievance resolution and conflict management, consistent with labor agreements and applicable Council policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent.
• Active participation as member of the labor relations team in the efforts to identify and maximize opportunities to create a consistent and unified approach to labor relations across the Council.
• May serve as chief spokesperson in labor negotiations; lead strategy development and preparation process; direct the Council's negotiations team to ensure management's position is presented in negotiations and is in accordance with law, precedent, and Council policy.
• Participate on labor/management committees and meet and confers, to foster positive labor/management relations and provide advice in resolving issues.
• Advise and assist Council managers on the determination and administration of employee discipline, ensuring all contractual, policy, and due process standards are followed.
• Provide day-to-day advice and counsel to Division Directors/Managers, Human Resources staff and Business Leaders on labor/employee relations matters, including strategies for grievance resolution and contract administration questions to ensure that labor agreements are consistently and accurately administered.
• Support the collective bargaining process and chief spokesperson as assigned: assist in the development of bargaining strategy; provide research and analysis on labor and arbitral precedent related to contract proposals; develop and provide analysis of salary and benefit data; formulate and draft contract proposals for presentation in negotiations.
• Develop or assist in the creation and presentation of training curriculum in labor relations and other related knowledge areas.
• Prepare and present cases in arbitration and administrative proceedings, unit determinations, representation elections and mediation proceedings.

Education:
Program Manager, Labor Relations
Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Legal or related field AND six (6) years of experience working in the Labor Relations field for a company, agency or as a representative for labor or management in the legal field within an industry or company; with at least one year experience service as chief negotiator negotiating contracts independently or responsibility of grievance and arbitration hearings.
Labor Relations Specialist
Bachelor's degree or higher in Labor Relations, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Legal or related field AND five (5) years of experience working in the Labor Relations field for a company, agency or as a representative for labor or management in the legal field within an industry or company; with at least one year experience service as chief negotiator negotiating contracts independently or responsibility of grievance and arbitration hearings.
Equivalency:
A law degree or master's degree in industrial relations/human resources may be substituted for one year of experience.
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Demonstrated experience working in a complex, multi-union environment
• Demonstrated skills in conflict management, grievance avoidance, and establishing effective relationships

• Ability to coach, organize, plan, lead and manage
• Skilled in intermediate math skills - arithmetic and statistics
• Ability to meet critical deadlines and make sound decisions under pressure
• Skilled in basic computer skills - word processing, spreadsheet, email and document management
• Knowledge of research methods; report writing techniques, statistical concepts and methods
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration
• Knowledge of analytical processes and procedures
• Knowledge of advanced principles and practices of collective bargaining and labor contract administration
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, employees, co-workers and labor representatives
• Ability to understand, analyze, interpret and act upon a variety of complex labor relations and human resources issues in accordance with applicable labor agreements, legal requirements and policies
• Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to labor relations and human resources management in the public sector
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Program Manager, Labor Relations
Union: Non-Represented Grade J
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: $89,606 to $145,434
Safety Sensitive: No
Labor Relations Specialist
Union: Non-Represented Grade I
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: $84,989 to $137,925
Safety Sensitive: No
What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.
What steps the recruitment process involves:
1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety-sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email
[email protected].

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%

• Fitness centers at many job locations
• Extensive health and wellness programs and resources
• Well@Work clinic
• Parking at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year